Rustende herten before 1860

Martinus Antonius Kuytenbrouwer jr. created this sketch of resting deer. The artist lived during a time of significant social change. The 19th century witnessed the rise of industrialization and urbanization alongside the rise of Romanticism. Within this context, we might consider how representations of nature and animal life were idealized as an escape from these changes, offering a sense of tranquility and harmony. At first glance, the deer in this drawing seem to embody an unspoiled, pastoral ideal. However, we could also think about these images in relation to the rise of hunting as both a sport and a symbol of dominance and control over the natural world. Kuytenbrouwer's work reflects both an appreciation for nature and an awareness of our complex relationship with it.